Career Paths in Infectious Diseases

Why Choose ID?

Globally, infectious diseases rank as the second leading cause of death, over half of which are children under the age of 5. Infectious diseases are the third leading cause of death in the United States—170,000 each year—a figure that has nearly doubled since the early 1980s.

ID specialists are on the leading edge of some of the hottest topics in medicine today—from treatment for HIV/AIDS patients, to the growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance, to concerns about the appropriate evaluation and response to threats of bioterrorism.

This dynamic and evolving discipline offers exciting opportunities for physicians who enjoy helping others through problem-solving and medical detective work.

The symposium Choosing a Career in Infectious Diseases at this year's IDWeek reviewed job prospects for medical trainees based on recent job surveys conducted among graduating infectious diseases trainees and identified career paths and opportunities within the field of infectious diseases. Below are the four presentations from the symposium.

FAQ

What does it take to become an ID Specialist?

Infectious disease certification requires two years of training beyond general internal medicine. See IDSA's Guide to Training Programs for specific curriculum information.

An IDSA survey found a high degree of job satisfaction among the nation's 8,000 ID specialists; recent graduates had the highest job satisfaction. To take a look into the ID market, check out the ID/HIV Career Center.

Choosing a subspecialty is the most important career decision for a medical resident. If you are looking for intellectual challenge, job satisfaction, and a wide range of career options, consider infectious diseases, a rewarding specialty with a historic place in medicine.